Obie Pressman

Obie is a chocolate educator who designs immersive, hands-on learning experiences that connect people to the land, the farmers and the craft of making bean to bar chocolate. With over 17 years of experience in global development and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington’s Evans School, he brings a rare blend of understanding the ins and outs of international development and a deep love for all things cacao and chocolate.

At Macaw Sanctuary, Obie leads six day “earth-to-bar” workshops that guide participants through every step of chocolate production from harvesting cacao to wrapping the finished bar. At each of these steps, Obie uses his own handmade chocolate as a sensory and educational tool to highlight the lesson. He plans all logistics and curriculum in collaboration with his wife, Michelle, creating a seamless and transformative experience rooted in hospitality, cultural respect and practical skill-building.

Obie’s goal is to empower a new generation of small-batch chocolate makers, believing that decentralized, transparent production can strengthen cacao-growing communities and expand market access for farmers. His teaching style is tactile, inclusive and grounded in a belief that making craft chocolate is not just a production, but a means of transforming the world.